Apparatus and methods for supplying power

ABSTRACT

A switched capacitor array having a plurality of capacitors arranged in a plurality of branches having different numbers of capacitors, and a plurality of switches connected to selectively couple the capacitors across the input or the output may be used for powering a variety of loads. A switched LED array may be dynamically configured based on a voltage supplied thereto, which may be supplied by a switched capacitor array. A lighting apparatus may be provided with first and second blocks, each block comprising a switched capacitor array, a switched LED array, and a control system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to supplying electrical power to devices whichrequire relatively constant levels of DC voltage. Certain aspects relateto LED light fixtures which connect directly to AC power lines.

BACKGROUND

Prior art systems for supplying power from AC power lines to deviceswhich operate on DC voltages typically involve the use of componentssuch as filters, bridges and/or switched-mode power supplies (SMPS)comprising inductive transformers or inductors. Such components mayadversely affect efficiency and power factor.

The inventor has determined a need for improved power supply systemswhich may be used to connect dimmable LED lighting fixtures directly toAC Mains. The inventor has also determined a need for LED lightingfixtures which can mimic the characteristics of incandescent lightfixtures. The inventor has also determined a need for power supplysystems which include power factor correction when a TRIAC dimmer isbeing used.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

One aspect provides an apparatus comprising a switched capacitor arrayconnected between an input connectable to a varying input voltage and anoutput connectable to a load. The switched capacitor array has aplurality of capacitors arranged in a plurality of branches havingdifferent numbers of capacitors, and a plurality of switches connectedto selectively couple the capacitors across the input or the output. Acontrol system is configured to operate the switches to connect thecapacitors of a selected branch in series across the input to charge thecapacitors of the selected branch. The number of capacitors in theselected branch is selected based on an input voltage level, and theselected branch varies as the input voltage level changes. The controlsystem also operates the switches to sequentially connect capacitors ofbranches other than the selected branch across the output to dischargethe capacitors.

One aspect provides a method comprising determining an input voltagewaveform present at an input, sequentially connecting selected branchesof a plurality of branches of series connected capacitors across theinput to be charged, wherein a number of series connected capacitors inthe selected branches varies based on the input voltage waveform, andsequentially connecting charged capacitors across an output to bedischarged.

One aspect provides an apparatus comprising a switchable LED arraycomprising a plurality of strings of LEDs, each string selectablyconnectable in parallel across an input and comprising a selectablenumber of series connected LEDs. The plurality of strings comprisestrings with different selectable numbers of series connected LEDs. Acontrol system is configured to dynamically vary a number of activestrings connected in parallel across the input and the selectable numberof series connected LEDs in the active strings based on a voltage levelat the input.

One aspect provides an apparatus comprising a first input connectable toa first line of an AC voltage source, a second input connectable to asecond line of the AC voltage source, a first block comprising a firstswitchable capacitor array connected to the first input and the secondinput and a first switchable LED array connected to the first switchablecapacitor array and the first input, and, a second block comprising asecond switchable capacitor array connected to the first input and thesecond input and a second switchable LED array connected to the secondswitchable capacitor array and the second input.

One aspect provides a control system for an array of LEDs. The controlsystem is configured to monitor a current and a voltage provided to thearray of LEDs to determine an actual LED power and control the LEDsbased on the actual LED power.

One aspect provides a method for controlling an array of LEDs comprisingmonitoring a current and a voltage provided to the array of LEDs,determining an actual power of the array of LEDs, and controlling thearray of LEDs based on the actual power.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 shows a power supply system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 1A shows a power supply system connected to a switched LED arrayaccording to another example embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example switched capacitor array.

FIG. 2A-C schematically illustrate other example switched capacitorarrays.

FIG. 3A shows an example switched LED array.

FIG. 3B shows an example supply voltage waveform for a switched LEDarray.

FIG. 3C shows another example switched LED array.

FIG. 3D shows another example supply voltage waveform for a switched LEDarray.

FIG. 3E shows another example switched LED array.

FIG. 3F shows another example supply voltage waveform for a switched LEDarray.

FIG. 4 shows an example LED lighting fixture with a first block and asecond block according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows the LED lighting fixture similar of FIG. 4 configure toreceive control signals from an alternate user interface.

FIGS. 4B-E show other example LED lighting fixtures.

FIG. 4F shows another example apparatus with first and second blocks.

FIGS. 5A-C are voltage and charging graphs for high, medium, and lowvoltage sinusoidal AC input voltage examples.

FIG. 6 shows an example control system for a switched capacitor arrayand a switched LED array.

FIG. 6A shows an example control system for a plurality of switchedcapacitor arrays and switched LED arrays.

FIG. 7 shows an example method for controlling a switched capacitorarray and a switched LED array.

FIGS. 8A-C are voltage and charging graphs for various non-sinusoidalinput voltage examples.

FIG. 9 is a cross section showing an example lighting fixturearchitecture.

FIG. 10 shows an example switched LED array layout.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in theart. However, well known elements may not have been shown or describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly,the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative,rather than a restrictive, sense.

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 in which a switched capacitor array 110 iscontrolled by a controller 120 to supply power to a load 130. System 100comprises an input 102 connected to a variable input voltage. Capacitorarray 110 comprises a plurality of capacitors and a plurality ofswitches controlled by control system 120 for selectively connecting thecapacitors to be charged across input 102, and to be discharged to powerload 130. Control system 120 is configured to monitor the voltage atinput 102 and control the switches of capacitor array 110 in response toinput voltage conditions, as described below.

Control system 120 operates the switches of capacitor array 110 toconnect a number of capacitors in series across the input based on theinput voltage to charge the capacitors, and to sequentially connectcharged capacitors to power load 130 by discharging the capacitorseither one at a time or in groups of the same size, such that load 130is supplied with a relatively constant voltage. In some embodiments,system 100 is configured to be connected directly to a standard inputvoltage source to provide power to load 130 without the use of anyfilter, bridge or switched mode power supply. For example, in someembodiments, system 100 is configured to receive any of a wide varietyof AC input voltage waveforms (e.g., sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal),voltage levels, and frequencies. In some embodiments, system 100 may beconfigured to provide a generally stable output voltage waveform inresponse to a wide range of input voltage conditions, such that theoperation of loads powered by system 100 may be substantially unaffectedby changes in input voltage which may occur due to brown outs or otherpower interruptions.

FIG. 1A shows an example system 100A wherein capacitor array 110supplies power to a switched LED array 140. In the FIG. 1A example,input 102 is connected to an AC voltage source 104. AC voltage source104 may, for example, comprise a standard sinusoidal AC supply voltage,or may comprise a non-sinusoidal voltage such as a “phase cut” voltagesupplied from a TRIAC-based dimmer. In some embodiments, system 100A isoperable to maintain a constant, regulated light output from LED array140 over a first range of input voltage levels (e.g. 85 to 132V for a110V mains supply), and to provide controllably dimmed light output fromLED array 140 over a second range of input voltage levels (e.g., 0 to85V for a 110V supply). The term “LED” as used herein is to beunderstood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type ofcarrier injection/junction-based component that generateselectromagnetic radiation in response to an electrical signal,including, without limitation, semiconductor-based structures that emitlight in response to current, light emitting polymers,electroluminescent structures, and the like. The term LED may refer toany type of light emitter (including semi-conductor and organic lightemitting diodes) that generate radiation in the visible, infrared and/orultraviolet spectrums.

In the FIG. 1A example and other examples discussed below switchedcapacitor arrays are used to power LED arrays, although it is to beunderstood that in other embodiments capacitor arrays could also supplypower to other types of loads. For example, capacitor arrays accordingto various embodiments may be suitable for supplying power to any typeof load having any sort of voltage, current or power requirements.

FIG. 2 shows an example switched capacitor array 200. Array 200comprises a plurality of branches 210 selectably connectable between afirst line 202 and a second line 204 under control of a control system(not shown in FIG. 2). Lines 202 and 204 are connected to an AC inputvoltage (not shown in FIG. 2). Each branch 210 comprises at least onecapacitor, and at least one switch. In some embodiments, the capacitorsmay all have the same capacitances. In some embodiments, the capacitorsmay have different capacitances. The switches may comprise, for example,MOSFET-based switches. The control system is configured to operate theswitches to selectably connect the capacitors of each branch in seriesbetween lines 202 and 204 for charging. Each capacitor is alsoselectably connectable between line 204 and an output line 206 fordischarging. Output line 206 may be connected to provide power to aswitched LED array or other load. Line 204 is also connected to theload. In some embodiments a bypass switch 205 may be provided betweenlines 202 and 206 for selectably connecting the load directly to theinput voltage.

The control system sequentially selects branches for charging based onthe number of capacitors in each branch, and controls the charging timefor each branch 210. In some embodiments, the control system selectsbranches and controls charging times such that as the input voltagevaries sinusoidally the capacitors of each branch are charged tosubstantially the same voltage. In some embodiments, the control systemselects branches and controls charging times such that the capacitorsare charged to different voltages. The capacitors may be charged to anominal voltage which is less than the maximum voltage for thecapacitors. The capacitors may be discharged by individually connectingcharged capacitors one at time across lines 204 and 206. In someembodiments, the capacitors may be only partially discharged (e.g., thecapacitor may have a low “depth of discharge”) to reduce ripple in theoutput voltage. In some embodiments, two or more capacitors may beconnectable in series across the output, such that the capacitors may bedischarged in groups of equal numbers to provide a higher output voltagein a “boost mode”. In embodiments which support boost mode, additional“boost” switches (not shown in FIG. 2) may be provided to selectablyconnect the capacitors in groups of equal numbers across the output.

The example of FIG. 2 shows nine capacitors arranged in five branches210 (individually numbered 210-1 to 210-5), but it is to be understoodthat array 200 could have a different number of capacitors and branches210. For example, in some embodiments, a capacitor array may be providedhaving an even number of branches arranged in pairs of equal number ofseries connected capacitors. In some embodiments, a “central” pair ofbranches have a highest number of capacitors, and the other pairs ofbranches are symmetrically arranged on either side of the central pair,with an “outer” pair of branches having one capacitor each. FIGS. 2A to2C schematically illustrate some example switched capacitor arrays (theswitches and input/output lines are not shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C). FIG.2A shows an array 200A having twelve capacitors arranged in sixbranches, with two branches having only one capacitor, two brancheshaving two capacitors, and two branches having three capacitors. FIG. 2Bshows an array 200B having twenty capacitors arranged in eight branches,with two branches having only one capacitor, two branches having twocapacitors, two branches having three capacitors, and two brancheshaving four capacitors. FIG. 2C shows an array 200C having thirtycapacitors arranged in ten branches, with two branches having only onecapacitor, two branches having two capacitors, two branches having threecapacitors, two branches having four capacitors, and two branches havingfive capacitors. Other numbers of capacitors and arrangements ofbranches are also possible.

In some embodiments, a single switched capacitor array may be configuredto accept a wide range of AC input voltage levels. In other embodiments,the switched capacitor array may be specifically adapted to accommodatea particular AC input voltage. The number of branches, number ofcapacitors in each branch, and characteristics of the capacitors may beselected based on the expected input voltage, to accommodate standardvoltages for manufactured capacitors, and the output power requirements(e.g., voltage ripple). In general, the greater number of capacitors inthe array, the smaller the individual capacitances may be and thesmaller the voltage ripple. Conversely, using fewer capacitors generallyrequires higher individual capacitances and results in a higher voltageripple. For example, for a standard 220V AC power supply, an array maybe configured such that the branch(es) with the highest number ofcapacitors comprise three series connected capacitors (a “three level”array), and the capacitors may comprise 75 volt capacitors. Similarly,for a standard 220V AC power supply, a four level array may use 60 voltcapacitors, a 5 level array may use 50 volt capacitors, a six levelarray may use 40 volt capacitors, etc. As another example, for an arraylike the example of FIG. 2B and an expected AC input voltage of 90 to132 volts, 50 volt capacitors may be used and charged to a nominalvoltage of 39 volts.

Returning to the example of FIG. 2, branch 210-1 comprises capacitor C1,branch 210-2 comprises capacitors C2 and C3, branch 210-3 comprisescapacitors C4, C5 and C6, branch 210-4 comprises capacitors C7 and C8,and branch 210-5 comprises capacitor C9. Each capacitor CX has an inputswitch S_(IX) associated therewith for selectively connecting thatcapacitor to line 202 (or to another capacitor in series betweencapacitor CX and line 202). Each capacitor CX has an output switchS_(OX) associated therewith for selectively connecting that capacitor toline 206. Capacitors C3, C5, C6 and C8 also have bypass switches S_(B3),S_(B5), S_(B6) and S_(B8) respectively associated therewith forselectively connecting these capacitors directly to line 204. Thus, thecapacitors in each branch 210 may be charged by closing all of the inputswitches S_(IX) in that branch, thereby connecting the capacitors ofthat branch in series between lines 202 and 204, while keeping outputswitches S_(OX) and any bypass switches S_(BX) open. Any capacitor CXnot in a branch being charged may be discharged by closing theassociated output switch S_(OX) and any bypass switch S_(BX) (forcapacitors not directly connected to line 204), thereby connecting thatcapacitor between lines 204 and 206, while keeping the associated inputswitch S_(IX) open. In some embodiments, the depth of discharge of thecapacitors may be relatively low to reduce ripple in the output voltage.In some embodiments, additional boost switches (not shown in FIG. 2) maybe provided to selectably connect two or more capacitors in seriesbetween lines 204 and 206.

Switched capacitor arrays such as the example arrays shown in FIGS. 2-2Care operable to produce output voltages having a relatively constant DClevel with a sawtooth-like ripple voltage. The frequency and amplitudeof the ripple voltage is determined by the number of capacitors beingdischarged and the depth of the discharge. Some embodiments provideswitched LED arrays which may be dynamically configured to adapt to theoutput voltage provided by such switched capacitor arrays.

FIG. 3A shows an example switched LED array 300A. Array 300A comprises aplurality of LEDs 312 arranged in a plurality of columns or strings 311and a plurality of rows 313. The LEDs 312 of array 300A are also groupedinto a plurality of sub-arrays 310 (individually numbered 310A-1,310A-2, 310A-3 and 310A-4) selectably connectable between first line 302and second line 304. Each sub-array 310 comprises a plurality of LEDs312 arranged in one or more columns or strings 311, and one or moreswitches 316 for selectively connecting the LEDs 312 in each string 311between lines 302 and 304. The switches may comprise, for example,MOSFET-based switches. Lines 302 and 304 are connected to receive aninput voltage which varies over time. The input voltage may, forexample, comprise the output from a switched capacitor array such asarray 200 of FIG. 2. Switches 316 are controllable by a control system(not shown) to connect a selectable number of strings 311 between lines302 and 304 and to vary the number of energized LEDs 312 in each string.The number of active strings 311 connected between lines 302 and 304,and the number of energized LEDs in each active string 311 may be varieddynamically in conjunction with the input voltage level on lines 302 and304. In some embodiments, the number of active strings 311 connectedbetween lines 302 and 304 may be selected based on a user input such as,for example, provided by a dimmer control.

LEDs 312 are arranged into a plurality of levels 314 (individuallynumbered 314-F, 314-1, 314-2 and 314-3). In the FIG. 3A example, level314-F comprises three rows 313 of LEDs 312, and levels 314-1, 314-2 and314-3 each have a single additional row 313 of LEDs 312. Switches 316may be operated to selectively energize all of the LEDs 312 of eachactive string up to a desired level 314 under control of the controlsystem (e.g., if level 314-1 were the desired level, LEDs 312 in levels316-F and 314-1 would be energized). Not all sub-arrays 310 have LEDs312 in all levels 314. Sub-array 310A-1 comprises three strings 311,each having LEDs 312 in all of levels 314-F, 314-1, 314-2 and 314-3.Sub-array 310A-2 comprises two strings 311 having LEDs 312 in levels314-F, 314-1 and 314-2. Sub-array 310A-3 comprises a single string 311having LEDs 312 in levels 314-F and 314-1. Sub-array 310A-4 comprises asingle string 311 having LEDs 312 in only level 314-F. Four sub-arrays310 and four levels 314 are shown in the FIG. 3A example, but it is tobe understood that different numbers of sub-arrays and different numbersof levels may be provided, and that the number of sub-arrays does notneed to be the same as the number of levels.

In some embodiments, level 314-F may be a “fixed” level, such that forany active string 311, at least the LEDs 312 in fixed level 314-F areenergized. The number of rows 313 of LEDs 312 in fixed level 314-F maybe selected based on an expected minimum operating voltage. For example,the number of rows 313 in fixed level 314-F may be a function of thevoltage discharged by the capacitors of a switched capacitor array whena TRIAC-type dimmer is in its minimum position.

In some embodiments, the minimum voltage provided by the capacitor arraywill be equal to the forward voltage of one LED, and the LED array willnot have a “fixed” level (or will have a fixed level with only one rowof LEDs). For example, in some embodiments designed to work with lowvoltages (e.g. for 12V or 24V AC supplies), use of a fixed level withmore than one row of LEDs may be desirable in some embodiments designedto work with higher voltages because it can simplify design of thecontrol system and reduce the number of switches required.

The example array 300A of FIG. 3A may be suitable for LED supplyvoltages which vary in a generally linear manner. FIG. 3B shows anexample LED supply voltage waveform 350. Waveform 350 may, for example,comprise the output from a switched capacitor array wherein thecapacitors are not charged to their maximum voltage and only partiallydischarged, such that the discharge voltage is approximately linear (thedischarge voltage may not be exactly linear, but will generally also notbe a purely capacitive discharge waveform due to load characteristics).Waveform 350 is periodic and generally sawtooth-like, with the voltagedescending from an initial level 351 (which is within an acceptablevoltage range for array 300A), through levels 352 354 and 356, to aminimum level 358 in each period. Level 352 may correspond to a forwardvoltage of a string of LEDs with a highest number of energized LEDs(e.g. all levels of LEDs are energized). Levels 354, 356 and 358 maylikewise correspond to forward voltages of strings of LEDs with fewerenergized LEDs. With reference to FIG. 3A, levels 352, 354, 356 and 358may correspond to the forward voltages of energized strings of LEDs upto levels 314-3, 314-2, 314-1 and 314-F, respectively. The timing ofexample LED array configurations A-D are shown below waveform 350. Inconfiguration A all of the LEDs of sub-array 310A-1 are energized (i.e.,up to level 314-3). In configuration B the LEDs of sub-array 310A-1 areenergized up to level 314-2 and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310A-2 areenergized (i.e., up to level 314-2). In configuration C the LEDs ofsub-arrays 310A-1 and 310A-2 are energized up to level 314-1 and all ofthe LEDs of sub-array 310A-3 are energized (i.e., up to level 314-1). Inconfiguration D the LEDs of sub-arrays 310A-1, 310A-2 and 310A-3 areenergized up to level 314-F and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310A-4 areenergized (i.e., up to level 314-F).

One skilled in the art will appreciate that operation of a switched LEDarray as described above causes individual LEDs to be switched on andoff. Although such switching will often be done at a frequency highenough to avoid perception, in some situations this could result inperceptible spatial and temporal flickering of light from such an array.Accordingly, one or more diffusing elements (not shown in FIGS. 3A and3B, see FIG. 4) may be provided to reduce or eliminate any perceivedflickering.

FIG. 3C shows an example switched LED array 300C which may be suitablefor generally sinusoidally varying supply voltages. Array 300C isgenerally similar to array 300A of FIG. 3A, and corresponding referencecharacters are used to identify corresponding features. Array 300Cdiffers from array 300A in the number of rows 313 of LEDs 312 in eachlevel 314. In the FIG. 3C example, level 314-F has four rows of LEDs,level 314-1 has three additional rows of LEDs, level 314-2 has twoadditional rows of LEDs, and level 304-3 has one additional row of LEDs.

FIG. 3D shows an example LED supply voltage waveform 370 which may besuitable for powering array 300C. Waveform 370 has a sawtooth-likeportion 370A and a sinusoidal portion 370B. Sawtooth-like portion 370Amay be provided by a switched capacitor array wherein the capacitors arenot charged to their maximum voltage and only partially discharged, suchthat the discharge voltage varies approximately linearly (the dischargevoltage may not be exactly linear, but will generally also not be apurely capacitive discharge waveform due to load characteristics).Sinusoidal portion 370B may be provided directly from AC line voltage(for example, by closing a bypass switch such as switch 205 of FIG. 2).Sinusoidal portion 370B reaches a maximum level 371 which is within anacceptable voltage range for array 300C. Level 372 may correspond to aforward voltage of a string of LEDs in array 300C with a highest numberof energized LEDs (e.g. all levels of LEDs are energized). Levels 374,376 and 378 may likewise correspond to forward voltages of strings ofLEDs with fewer energized LEDs. With reference to FIG. 3C, levels 372,374, 376 and 378 may correspond to the forward voltages of energizedstrings of LEDs up to levels 314-3, 314-2, 314-1 and 314-F,respectively. The timing of example LED array configurations A-D areshown below waveform 370. In configuration A all of the LEDs ofsub-array 310C-1 are energized (i.e., up to level 314-3). Inconfiguration B the LEDs of sub-array 310C-1 are energized up to level314-2 and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310C-2 are energized (i.e., up tolevel 314-2). In configuration C the LEDs of sub-arrays 310C-1 and310C-2 are energized up to level 314-1 and all of the LEDs of sub-array310C-3 are energized (i.e., up to level 314-1). In configuration D theLEDs of sub-arrays 310C-1, 310C-2 and 310C-3 are energized up to level314-F and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310C-4 are energized (i.e., up tolevel 314-F).

FIG. 3E shows an example switched LED array 300E which may be suitablefor generally exponentially varying supply voltages. Array 300E isgenerally similar to array 300A of FIG. 3A, and corresponding referencecharacters are used to identify corresponding features. Array 300Ediffers from array 300A in the number of rows 313 of LEDs 312 in eachlevel 314. In the FIG. 3E example, level 314-F has four rows of LEDs,level 314-1 has one additional row of LEDs, level 314-2 has twoadditional rows of LEDs, and level 304-3 has three additional rows ofLEDs.

FIG. 3F shows an example LED supply voltage waveform 390 which may besuitable for powering array 300E. Waveform 390 may be provided by aswitched capacitor array wherein the capacitors are more deeplydischarged than in the above sawtooth-like examples, such that thedischarge voltage varies approximately exponentially (the dischargevoltage will generally not be a purely capacitive discharge waveform dueto load characteristics). In some embodiments, waveform 390 is generatedby sequentially connecting groups of two or more capacitors to dischargein series. Waveform 390 exponentially decays from a maximum level 391(which is within an acceptable voltage range for array 300E), throughlevels 392, 394, 396 and 398, before returning to the maximum level 391.Level 392 may correspond to a forward voltage of a string of LEDs inarray 300E with a highest number of energized LEDs (e.g. all levels ofLEDs are energized). Levels 394, 396 and 398 may likewise correspond toforward voltages of strings of LEDs with fewer energized LEDs. Withreference to FIG. 3E, levels 392, 394, 396 and 398 may correspond to theforward voltages of energized strings of LEDs up to levels 314-3, 314-2,314-1 and 314-F, respectively. The timing of example LED arrayconfigurations A-D are shown below waveform 390. In configuration A allof the LEDs of sub-array 310E-1 are energized (i.e., up to level 314-3).In configuration B the LEDs of sub-array 310E-1 are energized up tolevel 314-2 and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310E-2 are energized (i.e.,up to level 314-2). In configuration C the LEDs of sub-arrays 310E-1 and310E-2 are energized up to level 314-1 and all of the LEDs of sub-array310E-3 are energized (i.e., up to level 314-1). In configuration D theLEDs of sub-arrays 310E-1, 310E-2 and 310E-3 are energized up to level314-F and all of the LEDs of sub-array 310E-4 are energized (i.e., up tolevel 314-F).

FIG. 4 shows an example lighting apparatus 400 wherein switchedcapacitor arrays supply power to switched LED arrays. Apparatus 400comprises a housing 401 which may conform to one of a variety ofstandard lighting formats (e.g., MR16, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, PAR 40, orother formats). Apparatus 400 has an input 402 connectable to an ACpower source (not shown), with a live line 404 and a neutral line 406configured to be connected directly to the AC mains. In the FIG. 4example, identical first and second blocks, which may be referred to as“positive” and “negative” wave blocks 408P and 408N, respectively, areprovided, each comprising a switched capacitor array 410P/N, a controlsystem 420P/N, and a switched LED array 440P/N. Apparatus 400 may alsocomprise a diffusing element 403 to reduce or eliminate any perceivedflickering of switched LED arrays 440P and 440N as individual LEDs areswitched on and off, as described above. Although the terms “positive”and “negative” are used, it is to be understood that blocks 408P and408N are not polarized, and may be identically, or substantiallyidentically, constructed. Providing identical blocks for the positiveand negative waves may result in lower cost and improved simplicity ofmanufacture in some situations. Also, in some embodiments, providing alighting apparatus with substantially identical positive and negativewave blocks may avoid the need for grounding or voltage isolation.

In positive wave block 408P, capacitor array 410P and LED array 440P areboth connected directly to live line 404, and LED array 440P is coupledto neutral line 406 through capacitor array 410P. Conversely, innegative wave block 408N, capacitor array 410N and LED array 440N areboth connected directly to neutral line 406, and LED array 440N iscoupled to live line 404 through capacitor array 410N. Positivecapacitor array 410P may be controlled to receive only the positive halfwave of an AC input voltage by opening input switches (not shown in FIG.4) to array 410P during the negative half wave. The input switchesopened to ensure that capacitor array 410P receives only the positivehalf wave of an AC input voltage may comprise, for example, switches forcharging the individual capacitors of array 410P (e.g., switches S_(IX)of FIG. 2, as described below) or an input switch for the entire array410P (e.g., switch 609 of FIG. 6, as described below). Likewise,negative capacitor array 410N may be controlled to receive only thenegative half wave of an AC input voltage by opening input switches toarray 410N during the positive half wave.

Control system 420P is configured to selectively operate the switches ofcapacitor array 410P and LED array 440P, and control system 420N isconfigured to selectively operate the switches of capacitor array 410Nand LED array 440N as described herein. In some embodiments, controlsystems 420P and 420N may be substantially identical. In someembodiments, the functionalities of control systems 420P and 420N may becombined into a single combined control system (not shown) forcontrolling all of the capacitor and LED arrays, but such a combinedcontrol system may require significant amounts of voltage isolation andbe impractical in some situations.

FIG. 4A shows a lighting apparatus 400A similar to apparatus 400 of FIG.4, except that in apparatus 400A control systems 420P and 420N receivecontrol information from an analog or digital user interface 422. Theinformation may, for example specify a desired brightness and/or colorof light output from apparatus 400A.

FIGS. 4B and 4C show lighting apparatus 400B and 400C, respectively. Inapparatus 400B each of the positive and negative wave blocks comprisestwo LED arrays 440PW, 440PC, 440NW, 440NC of different colors (e.g.,cold white and warm white), each having an associated switched capacitorarray 410PW, 410PC, 410NW, 410NC. In apparatus 400C each of the positiveand negative wave blocks comprises three LED arrays 440PR, 440PG, 440PB,440NR, 440NG, 440NB of different colors (e.g., red, green and blue),each having an associated switched capacitor array 410PR, 410PG, 410PB,410NR, 410NG, 410NB.

FIG. 4D shows a lighting apparatus 400D for connecting to a “Y”-typethree phase AC power supply, comprising three lines φ1, φ2 and φ3 and aneutral N. Apparatus 400D comprises three positive wave blocks 408P-1,408P-2 and 408P-3, and three negative wave blocks 408N-1, 408N-2 and408N-3 each of which is identical to the corresponding positive andnegative wave blocks 408P and 408N discussed above with respect to FIG.4. Blocks 408P-1 and 408N-1 are connected across line φ1 and neutral N,blocks 408P-2 and 408N-2 are connected across line φ2 and neutral N, andblocks 408P-3 and 408N-3 are connected across line φ3 and neutral N. Inthe FIG. 4D example, apparatus 400D is shown as connecting to a “Y”-typethree phase AC power supply, but it is to be understood that apparatus400D could also be connected to a “delta”-type three phase AC powersupply (without a neutral), for example by connecting blocks 408P-1 and408N-1 across lines φ2 and φ3, blocks 408P-2 and 408N-2 across lines φ1and φ3, and blocks 408P-3 and 408N-3 across lines φ1 and φ2, as shown inFIG. 4E which illustrates example apparatus 400E. As in the FIG. 4Aexample, the control systems of apparatus 400D and apparatus 400E mayreceive control information from analog or digital user interfaces 422.

The examples of FIGS. 4-4E discussed above show positive and negativewave blocks 408P and 408N which comprise switched LED arrays. As oneskilled in the art will appreciate, the positive and negative wave blockarchitecture may also be employed to power other light sources, or anyother type of load. FIG. 4F shows an example apparatus 400F whereinpositive and negative wave blocks 408P and 408N respectively compriseloads 430P and 430N. Loads 430P and 430N may comprise any type of loadhaving any sort of voltage, current or power requirements.

FIGS. 5A-C show charging and discharging orders and voltage graphs ofexample switched capacitor arrays powering example switched LED arraysfor high (e.g. having a peak voltage of over 48V), medium (e.g. having apeak voltage of 9-48V), and low (e.g. having a peak voltage below 9V)voltage sinusoidal AC input voltage examples, respectively. In each ofFIGS. 5A-C, the top graph shows a sinusoidal AC input voltage 500, withone half of the waveform indicated in a dotted line, to indicate thatthe switched capacitor array only receives one half 502 of the AC inputwaveform (either the positive or the negative half). Below the AC inputvoltage a charging graph 505 and a discharging graph 507 respectivelyshow charging and discharging orders of capacitors of the switchedcapacitor array. The bottom graph shows the voltage provided to theswitched LED array.

In the FIG. 5A example, a first branch 505A-1 comprising one capacitoris charged during an initial portion of the half wave, until thatcapacitor reaches a desired voltage (which is typically less than themaximum voltage for that capacitor). Once the first branch is charged, asecond branch 505A-2 comprising two capacitors in series is chargeduntil those capacitors each reach the desired voltage. This process isrepeated for branches 505A-3, 505A-4, 505A-5 and 505A-6, comprisingseries connected strings of three, three, two and one capacitor,respectively. The capacitor from the first branch 505A-1 beginsdischarging as branch 505A-4 is charging, and discharges, therebyproviding power to the switched LED array, until the voltage provideddrops to a threshold level T. At that point the capacitors from thesecond branch 505A-2 are discharged, one at a time until the providedvoltage drops to T, followed by the capacitors of the subsequentbranches. Thus, the switched LED array may be provided with a generallydescending sawtooth-like input voltage, as indicated by waveform 510A.In some embodiments, the sawtooth-like input voltage may be periodic andhave a frequency of about 720 Hz. The discharge order may be varied fromthe order shown in the illustrated example, as long as sufficient timeis provided between charging and discharging of each capacitor for theassociated switches to be switched from charging to dischargingconfigurations, and as long as an uncharged capacitor, or a capacitorcurrently being charged, is not selected for discharging. Also, in someembodiments, one or more capacitors or branches of capacitors may bedisabled (and thus removed from the charging and discharging orders) toprovide power factor correction, as described below.

The switched LED array may be controlled to account for the changinginput voltage. For example, during a first portion 512A of eachdescending sawtooth, the LED array may be configured to connect a firstnumber of strings of LEDs in parallel across the input voltage, eachstring having a first number of LEDs connected in series. During asecond portion 512B the LED array may be configured to connect a secondnumber of strings in parallel across the input voltage, each stringhaving a second number of LEDs connected in series, with the secondnumber of strings being greater than the first number of strings and thesecond number of LEDs being less than the first number of LEDs, tomaintain the current through the LEDs within a desired range. Similarly,the number of strings may be increased and the number of LEDs per stringmay be decreased in subsequent periods 512C and 512D to maintain desiredcurrent levels through the LEDs.

In the FIG. 5B example, the input AC voltage never exceeds a maximumdesired voltage for the switched LED array, so for the portion of theinput AC exceeding the threshold level T, the LED array is powereddirectly from the AC input voltage, as indicated by waveform 510B. Asshown in charging chart 505B, branches 505B-1 to 505B-4 are connectedfor charging across the input voltage during an upper portion of theinput AC half wave. As shown in discharging chart 507B, capacitors areonly discharged when the input AC voltage drops to near T.

In the FIG. 5C example, since the input AC voltage is relatively low,the capacitors are charged one at a time, as indicated by charging chart505C. As shown discharging chart 507C, the capacitors are discharged twoat a time by connecting the discharging capacitors in series across theoutput of the switched capacitor array. As indicated by waveform 510C,the LED array is provided with voltage that decays exponentially.

FIG. 6 shows an example control system 600 for a switched capacitor anda switched LED array. An AC power source 602 provides a sinusoidal inputvoltage to live and neutral lines 603 and 604. A dimmer 605 mayoptionally be provided (as indicated by the dashed lines showing dimmer605) along lines 603 and 604. When present, dimmer 605 is operable by auser to selectively reduce the power provided in lines 603 and 604(typically by cutting out a variable leading or trailing portion of eachhalf wave through use of a TRIAC or the like), and the dimmer-modulatedAC voltage is provided to lines 606 and 607. When no dimmer is present,the sinusoidal AC input voltage is provided directly to lines 606 and607.

Line 606 is connected to provide charging current to a switchedcapacitor array (SCA) 610 through an input switch 609. Input switch 609also comprises a current limiter which prevents the current passingtherethrough from exceeding a predetermined maximum current. Forexample, the current through switch 609 may be monitored, and switch 609may be opened when the current approaches the predetermined maximumcurrent. In some embodiments, the current through switch 609 may bemonitored using an internal resistance of switch 609 (such as, forexample, Rds of a MOSFET switch), or some other current monitoringresistor. The predetermined maximum current may be based, for example,on the internal resistance of switch 609 and the maximum charge currentfor the capacitors of SCA 610. SCA 610 is controlled to provide anoutput voltage to a switched LED array (SLEDA) 630 through a resistor670, as described below.

Line 606 is also connected to a zero crossing detection block 612, an ACvoltage detection block 622, TRIAC angle detection block 636, a TRIACholding current block 648, and a logic DC power block 660. Line 607 isconnected to TRIAC angle detection block 636, TRIAC holding currentblock 648, SCA 610 and SLEDA 630. TRIAC holding current block 648 isconfigured to selectively draw additional current from lines 606 and607, such that at least a target holding current is always drawn throughdimmer 605 to maintain proper dimmer operation.

Zero crossing detection block 612 detects the voltage in line 606transitioning from negative to positive (and vice versa) and provides asignal indicating the zero crossing time to a charge enable block 614and a timing block 616 which provides timing information to other blocksof system 600, either directly or through one or more system clocks.Charge enable block 614 provides a charge enable signal to a TRIAC powerfactor correction (PFC) block 618. When a dimmer is present, TRIAC PFCblock 618 also receives a signal indicating a detected phase cut anglefrom TRIAC angle detection block 636. TRIAC PFC block 618 providescharge enable and power factor correction information to a SCA switchcontrol block 620 to control the charging and discharging of thecapacitors of SCA 610. SCA switch control block 620 in turn isconfigured to sequentially select individual branches of capacitors ofSCA for charging based on the charge enable and power factor correctioninformation, and connects the selected branch between switch 609 andline 607 to receive the input voltage. SCA switch control block 620 may,for example, connect the selected branch to switch 609 before switch 609is closed, such that the selected branch is ready for charging inadvance of the actual charging time. SCA switch control block 620 isalso configured to sequentially connect charged capacitors (either oneat a time or in series-connected groups of equal numbers) between SLEDA630 (through resistor 670) and line 607 for discharging.

AC voltage detection block 622 detects the peak voltage on line 606 andprovides peak voltage information to a capacitor charge voltage block624 and a LED row number block 626. Capacitor charge voltage block 624determines a target voltage to which the capacitors of SCA 610 are to becharged, and provides the target voltage to a voltage correction block629 and a SLEDA current block 632. LED row number block 626 determines adesired number of rows of LEDs to be energized in SLEDA 630 based on thetarget voltage, and provides the desired number of rows to SLEDA rowswitch control block 628. SLEDA row switch control block 628 in turncontrols the switches of SLEDA to energize a number of LEDs equal to thedesired number of rows in each active string of LEDs.

When a dimmer is present, TRIAC angle detection block 636 detects aphase cut angle caused by operation of dimmer 605, and provides thedetected phase cut angle to TRIAC PFC block 618 (as discussed above) andan angle to luminance conversion block 638. Angle to luminanceconversion block 638 determines a desired luminance based on the phasecut angle. Angle to luminance conversion block 638 may, for example,apply an exponential conversion. Angle to luminance conversion block 638provides the desired luminance to a luminance correction block 642. Whenno dimmer is present, the desired luminance may be set to a nominalluminance. Luminance correction block 642 also receives a temperaturesignal from a temperature sensor 640, and applies a correction to thedesired luminance based on the temperature signal. Temperature sensor640 may, for example, be positioned near a heat sink (not shown) forSLEDA 630.

Luminance correction block 642 may alternatively receive the desiredluminance from an alternate user interface system 650. System 650typically comprises either a digital user interface 652 and a digital toanalog converter 654, or an analog user interface 656, which provides ananalog control signal to an analog to luminance conversion block 658.Analog to luminance conversion block 658 determines the desiredluminance based on the analog control signal, and provides the desiredluminance to luminance correction block 642. In some embodiments, when adesired luminance is received from both angle to luminance conversionblock 638 and analog to luminance conversion block 658, the desiredluminance from angle to luminance conversion block 638 takes precedence.

Luminance correction block 642 provides a corrected luminance to aluminance to power conversion block 644. Luminance to power conversionblock 644 determines a desired power corresponding to the correctedluminance, and provides the desired power to a power comparison block646, and to SLEDA current block 632.

SLEDA current block 632 uses the desired power received from luminanceto power conversion block 644 and the target voltage received fromcapacitor charge voltage block 624 to determine a desired current to bedrawn by SLEDA 630. SLEDA current block 632 provides the desired currentand the target voltage to a SLEDA column switch control block 634. SLEDAcolumn switch control block 634 determines a desired number of columnsbased on the desired current and the target voltage and operates theswitches of SLEDA 630 to activate a number strings of LEDs equal to thedesired number of columns.

A current detection block 672 and a voltage detection block 674respectively detect current and voltage being provided from SCA 610 toSLEDA 630 through resistor 670, and provide the detected current andvoltage to a SLEDA power block 676. SLEDA power block 676 determines theactual power being delivered to SLEDA 630, and provides the actual powerto power compare block 646. Power compare block 646 compares the actualpower received from SLEDA power block 676 to the desired power receivedfrom luminance to power conversion block 644, and provides the powercomparison results to voltage correction block 629. Voltage correctionblock 629 determines a corrected target voltage based on the targetvoltage received from capacitor charge voltage block 624 and the powercomparison received from power compare block 646. Voltage correctionblock 629 also receives information indicating the input voltage levelfrom switch 609, and uses the input voltage level and the correctedtarget voltage to control the operation of input switch 609 to chargethe selected branch of capacitors of SCA 610.

By monitoring both the actual current and voltage provided to SLEDA 630(by blocks 672 and 674), and using the corresponding power to controlthe charging of capacitors in SCA 610, control system 600 thus providespower-based control of SLEDA 630.

The example control system 600 of FIG. 6 is configured to control asingle array of LEDs. Control system 600 may be adapted to controlmultiple arrays of LEDs by duplicating the blocks enclosed within thedashed box shown in FIG. 6, which may collectively be referred to asarray driver 690. FIG. 6A shows an example control system 600Aconfigured to control multiple arrays of LEDs.

Control system 600A has a number of blocks in common with control system600 of FIG. 6, which are identified using the same reference charactersin FIG. 6A and, to the extent that the blocks are connected in the samefashion as described with reference to FIG. 6, will not be describedagain. Control system 600A comprises a plurality of array drivers 690with different colors of LED arrays. Three array drivers 690 are shownin FIG. 6A, individually numbered as 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N, but it isto be understood that any number of array drivers could be provided.

Array drivers 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N are substantially the same as arraydriver 690 as shown in FIG. 6. Lines 606 and 607, and the outputs fromblocks 604, 624, 626, and 636 are connected to corresponding blocks ineach of array drivers 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N in the same way as shown inFIG. 6. Array drivers 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N have an associated gainblocks 692-1, 692-2 and 692-N, respectively coupled to a luminance topower conversion block (not shown in FIG. 6A, see FIG. 6) within therespective array driver. Gain blocks 692-1, 692-2 and 692-N each receivethe corrected luminance from luminance correction block 642 (in contrastto FIG. 6, wherein the corrected luminance is provided directly toluminance to power conversion block 644).

Control system 600A also comprises an angle to color conversion block694 and a mode change detection block 696 which receive the detectedphase cut angle from TRIAC angle detection block 636. Angle to colorconversion block 694 determines a desired color mixture of light fromthe different colored LED arrays within driver blocks 690. Mode changedetection block 696 monitors the detected phase cut angle for modechange conditions and determines a desired operating mode therefrom. Insome embodiments, mode change detection block 696 may be configured toset the desired operating mode to a default mode (e.g. a luminance mode)when the detected phase cut angle has not changed for a predeterminedperiod of time.

In addition to the corrected luminance, gain blocks 692-1, 692-2 and692-N each receive the desired color mixture and the desired operatingmode from color conversion block 694 and a mode change detection block696, respectively. Gain blocks 692-1, 692-2 and 692-N are configured toadjust the overall luminance of light emitted from the LED arrays ofarray drivers 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N, the relative luminances of lightemitted from the LED arrays of array drivers 690-1, 690-2 and 690-N, orsome combination thereof in response to changes in the detected phasecut angle, based on the corrected luminance, the desired color mixture,and the desired operating mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 700 for controllinga switched capacitor array and a switched LED array. Method 700 may becarried out, for example by a control system for a switched capacitorarray and a switched LED array.

Method 700 begins at step 702. At step 704, the input voltage waveformis monitored. At step 706, an AC voltage level is detected. At step 708,the input voltage waveform is checked to determine if a TRIAC isconnected. If no TRIAC is connected, (step 708 NO output), method 700proceeds to step 710, where any necessary power factor correction isperformed, as required by the shape of the input voltage waveform. Powerfactor correction may be performed by disabling selected branches of thecapacitor array, and equally distributing discharge times for thecapacitors of non-disabled branches across an entire AC cycle, asdescribed below with reference to FIG. 8B. At step 712, the AC voltagelevel is compared to a threshold (such as for example, 85V or 180V). Ifthe AC voltage level does not exceed the threshold (step 712 NO output),method 700 proceeds to step 714, where a desired luminance is set basedon the AC voltage level, and then to step 716, where the configurationof the switched LED array is set based on the desired luminance.

If the AC voltage level does exceed the threshold (step 712 YES output),method 700 proceeds to step 718, where the presence of an analog ordigital user interface control signal is detected. If no user controlsignal is detected (step 718 NO output), method proceeds to step 720,where the desired luminance is set to a nominal level, and then to step722, where the configuration of the switched LED array is set based onthe AC voltage level. If a user control signal is detected (step 718 YESoutput), method proceeds to step 724, where the desired luminance is setto based on the user control signal, and then to step 726, where theconfiguration of the switched LED array is set based on the desiredluminance.

Returning to step 708, if a TRIAC is connected, (step 708 YES output),method 700 proceeds to step 728 where the input voltage waveform ischecked for a front edge phase cut. If no front edge phase cut isdetected (step 728 NO output), method 700 proceeds to step 730, wherepower factor correction is performed to compensate for a back edge phasecut. If a front edge phase cut is detected (step 728 YES output), method700 proceeds to step 732, where power factor correction is performed tocompensate for a front edge phase cut. Power factor correction appliedat steps 730 and 732 is described below with respect to FIG. 8A. Afterstep 730 or 732, method 700 proceeds to step 734, where the desiredluminance is set based on the TRIAC angle, then to step 736, where theconfiguration of the switched LED array is set based on the desiredluminance.

After the configuration of the switched LED array is set (in step 716,722, 726 or 736), method 700 proceeds to step 740, where the switchedLED array current is set based on the desired luminance and theconfiguration of the switched LED array. At step 742 the maximum voltageto be provided to the switched LED array is set based on configurationof the switched LED array. At step 744 the configuration of the switchedcapacitor array is set based on the desired luminance, taking intoaccount any power factor correction applied in step 710, 730, or 732.

FIG. 8A-C show examples of how a switched capacitor array may becontrolled to accommodate non-sinusoidal input voltage waveforms. FIG.8A shows an example front edge phase cut waveform 802 and an exampleback edge phase cut waveform 804. Example charging orders 806 and 808are shown below the respective waveforms 802 and 804. An exampledischarge order 810 and an associated output waveform 812 are shown forthe front edge phase cut example.

In the front edge phase cut example, the first and second branches ofcapacitors (comprising capacitors labeled 1, 2 and 3) are not chargedsince there is no input voltage present at the time when those brancheswould be charged in a sinusoidal input voltage situation, as shown bywaveform 802 and charge order 806. In response to detecting such a frontphase cut angle, the control system disables charging of the last twobranches of capacitors (comprising capacitors labeled 10, 11 and 12),such that only the middle two branches of capacitors are charged. As aresult, capacitor charging current is centered around the peak inputvoltage, resulting in improved power factor. Discharging of the chargedcapacitors (labeled 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) is evenly distributed over acomplete period of the input voltage, as shown by discharge order 810and waveform 812.

In the back edge phase cut example, no input voltage is present at thetime when the last four branches of capacitors would be charged. Sincemore than half of the half-wave is cut from example waveform 804, it isnot possible for capacitor charging current to be centered around thepeak input voltage (because in this example, the peak input voltageoccurs just before the input voltage cuts off. However, power factor maybe improved by disabling the first branch (comprising the capacitorlabeled 1). No discharge order is shown for the back edge phase cutexample, but it is to be understood that discharging of the chargedcapacitors (labeled 2 and 3) may be evenly distributed over a completeperiod of the input voltage.

FIG. 8B shows an example square wave input waveform 820. As shown inexample charging order 822, the first and last branches of capacitors(comprising capacitors labeled 1 and 12, respectively) are disabled toprevent the current being provided to the capacitor array from exceedinga maximum desired current. As shown in example discharging order 824 andoutput voltage waveform 826, discharging of the charged capacitors(labeled 2 through 11) is evenly distributed over a complete period ofthe input voltage.

FIG. 8C shows an example triangle wave input waveform 840. Charging anddischarging of the capacitors may be controlled in substantially thesame fashion as for a sinusoidal input voltage, and no capacitors aredisabled.

FIG. 9 is a cross section showing an example lighting fixturearchitecture 900. An LED layer 902, which may comprise a GaAs layer, ispositioned atop a substrate 904. A control layer 906 is positioned belowsubstrate 904. A capacitor layer 908 comprising a plurality of capacitorblocks 908A are positioned below control layer 906. A portion 906A ofcontrol layer 906 may extend between blocks 908A.

FIG. 10 shows an example switched LED array layout 1000. In the FIG. 10example, a plurality of LEDs of a switched LED array are arranged inconcentrically oriented groups 1002, 1004, 1006 and 1008. The LEDswithin each of groups 1002, 1004, 1006 and 1008 may be in the same levelof the switched LED array. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3Cand 3E, group 1002 may contain LEDs in level 314-F, group 1004 maycontain LEDs in level 314-1, group 1006 may contain LEDs in level 314-2,and group 1008 may contain LEDs in level 314-3. Alternatively, group1002 may contain LEDs in level 314-3, group 1004 may contain LEDs inlevel 314-2, group 1006 may contain LEDs in level 314-1, and group 1008may contain LEDs in level 314-F. The FIG. 10 example shows fourrectangular groups, but it is to be under stood that the LEDs may bearranged into a different number of groups and/or groups havingdifferent shapes. In some embodiments, providing concentric layouts ofgroups of LEDs may allow a switched LED array to be perceived as asingle point source of light in all, or substantially all, switching anddimming configurations.

Aspects of the invention include, without limitation:

-   A. An apparatus comprising:    -   a switched capacitor array connected between an input        connectable to a varying input voltage and an output connectable        to a load, the switched capacitor array comprising a plurality        of capacitors arranged in a plurality of branches having        different numbers of capacitors, and a plurality of switches        connected to selectively couple the capacitors across the input        or the output; and,    -   a control system configured to operate the switches to connect        the capacitors of a selected branch in series across the input        to charge the capacitors of the selected branch, wherein the        selected branch has a number of capacitors selected based on an        input voltage level and the selected branch varies as the input        voltage level changes, and operate the switches to sequentially        connect capacitors of branches other than the selected branch        across the output to discharge the capacitors.-   B. A method comprising:    -   determining an input voltage waveform present at an input;    -   sequentially connecting selected branches of a plurality of        branches of series connected capacitors across the input to be        charged, wherein a number of series connected capacitors in the        selected branches varies based on the input voltage waveform;        and    -   sequentially connecting charged capacitors across an output to        be discharged.-   C. An apparatus comprising:    -   a switched LED array comprising a plurality of strings of LEDs,        each string selectably connectable in parallel across an input        and comprising a selectable number of series connected LEDs,        wherein the plurality of strings comprise strings with different        selectable numbers of series connected LEDs; and    -   a control system configured to dynamically vary a number of        active strings connected in parallel across the input and the        selectable number of series connected LEDs in the active strings        based on a voltage level at the input.-   D. An apparatus comprising:    -   a first input connectable to a first line of an AC voltage        source;    -   a second input connectable to a second line of the AC voltage    -   a first block comprising a first switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the second input and a first        switchable LED array connected to the first switchable capacitor        array and the first input; and,    -   a second block comprising a second switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the second input and a second        switchable LED array connected to the second switchable        capacitor array and the second input.-   E. An apparatus according to aspect D wherein the AC voltage source    comprises a three phase voltage source, the apparatus comprising:    -   a third input connectable to a third line of the AC voltage        source;    -   a third block comprising a third switchable capacitor array        connected to the second input and the third input and a third        switchable LED array connected to the third switchable capacitor        array and the second input;    -   a fourth block comprising a fourth switchable capacitor array        connected to the second input and the third input and a fourth        switchable LED array connected to the fourth switchable        capacitor array and the third input;    -   a fifth block comprising a fifth switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the third input and a fifth        switchable LED array connected to the fifth switchable capacitor        array and the first input; and,    -   a sixth block comprising a sixth switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the third input and a sixth        switchable LED array connected to the sixth switchable capacitor        array and the third input.-   F. An apparatus comprising:    -   a first input connectable to a first line of a three phase AC        voltage source;    -   a second input connectable to a second line of the AC voltage        source;    -   a third input connectable to a third line of the AC voltage        source;    -   a fourth input connectable to a neutral of the AC voltage        source;    -   a first block comprising a first switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the fourth input and a first        switchable LED array connected to the first switchable capacitor        array and the first input; and,    -   a second block comprising a second switchable capacitor array        connected to the first input and the fourth input and a second        switchable LED array connected to the second switchable        capacitor array and the fourth input;    -   a third block comprising a third switchable capacitor array        connected to the second input and the fourth input and a third        switchable LED array connected to the third switchable capacitor        array and the second input;    -   a fourth block comprising a fourth switchable capacitor array        connected to the second input and the fourth input and a fourth        switchable LED array connected to the fourth switchable        capacitor array and the fourth input;    -   a fifth block comprising a fifth switchable capacitor array        connected to the third input and the fourth input and a fifth        switchable LED array connected to the fifth switchable capacitor        array and the third input; and,    -   a sixth block comprising a sixth switchable capacitor array        connected to the third input and the fourth input and a sixth        switchable LED array connected to the sixth switchable capacitor        array and the fourth input.-   G. A control system for an array of LEDs, the control system    configured to monitor a current and a voltage provided to the array    of LEDs to determine an actual LED power and control the LEDs based    on the actual LED power.-   H. A method for controlling an array of LEDs, the method comprising:    -   monitoring a current and a voltage provided to the array of        LEDs;    -   determining an actual power of the array of LEDs; and    -   controlling the array of LEDs based on the actual power.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their truespirit and scope.

1. An apparatus comprising: a switched capacitor array connected betweenan input connectable to a varying input voltage and an outputconnectable to a load, the switched capacitor array comprising aplurality of capacitors arranged in a plurality of branches havingdifferent numbers of capacitors, and a plurality of switches connectedto selectively couple the capacitors across the input or the output;and, a control system configured to operate the switches to connect thecapacitors of a selected branch in series across the input to charge thecapacitors of the selected branch, wherein the selected branch has anumber of capacitors selected based on an input voltage level and theselected branch varies as the input voltage level changes, and operatethe switches to sequentially connect capacitors of branches other thanthe selected branch across the output to discharge the capacitors.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the branches of the switchedcapacitor array are arranged in a charging order wherein the number ofcapacitors in the branches varies across the charging order tocorrespond to a sinusoidal input voltage.
 3. An apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the control system is configured to sequentially connectthe capacitors across the output one at a time for discharging.
 4. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control system is configuredto sequentially connect the capacitors across the output in seriesconnected groups of two or more capacitors for discharging.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of capacitors allhave the same capacitance.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe control system is configured to control a charging time for eachselected branch such that all of the capacitors are charged to the samevoltage level.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the switchedcapacitor array comprises a bypass switch for selectably connecting theinput directly to the output.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 7wherein the control system is configured to close the bypass switch whenthe input voltage is within a desired load voltage range.
 9. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control system is configuredto determine an input voltage waveform and selectively disable chargingof one or more branches to improve a power factor of the apparatus. 10.An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the switched capacitor arraycomprises a plurality of pairs of branches, the branches of each pairhaving equal numbers of capacitors.
 11. An apparatus according to claim10 wherein each pair of branches has a different number of capacitors.12. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a central pair ofbranches has a highest number of capacitors, and wherein the controlsystem is configured to symmetrically charge the central pair ofbranches about a peak input voltage.
 13. An apparatus according to claim1 wherein the output is connected to power a load comprising aswitchable LED array.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein theswitchable LED array comprises a plurality of strings of LEDs, eachstring selectably connectable in parallel across the output of theswitched capacitor array and comprising a selectable number of seriesconnected LEDs, wherein the plurality of strings comprise strings withdifferent selectable numbers of series connected LEDs.
 15. An apparatusaccording to claim 14 wherein the control system is configured todynamically vary a number of active strings connected in parallel acrossthe output of the switched capacitor array and the selectable number ofseries connected LEDs in the active strings based on a voltage level atthe output of the switched capacitor array.
 16. A method comprising:determining an input voltage waveform present at an input; sequentiallyconnecting selected branches of a plurality of branches of seriesconnected capacitors across the input to be charged, wherein a number ofseries connected capacitors in the selected branches varies based on theinput voltage waveform; and sequentially connecting charged capacitorsacross an output to be discharged.
 17. A method according to claim 16wherein sequentially connecting selected branches comprises connectingthe branches in a charging order, and wherein the number of seriesconnected capacitors in the branches varies across the charging order tocorrespond to a sinusoidal input voltage.
 18. A method according toclaim 16 wherein sequentially connecting charged capacitors across anoutput to be discharged comprises connecting the capacitors across theoutput one at a time.
 19. A method according to claim 16 whereinsequentially connecting charged capacitors across an output to bedischarged comprises connecting the capacitors across the output inseries connected groups of two or more capacitors.
 20. A methodaccording to claim 16 comprising controlling a charging time for eachselected branch such that all of the capacitors are charged to the samevoltage level.
 21. A method according to claim 16 comprising selectivelydisabling charging of one or more branches to improve a power factor.22. A method according to claim 21 wherein selectively disablingcharging of one or more branches comprises disabling one or morebranches at a beginning of the charging order in response to a back edgephase cut input waveform.
 23. A method according to claim 21 whereinselectively disabling charging of one or more branches comprisesdisabling one or more branches at an end of the charging order inresponse to a front edge phase cut input waveform.
 24. A methodaccording to claim 16 wherein sequentially connecting charged capacitorsacross the output to be discharged comprises only partially dischargingthe capacitors.
 25. A method according to claim 16 comprising adjustingan operational mode based on a peak input voltage.
 26. An apparatuscomprising: a switched LED array comprising a plurality of strings ofLEDs, each string selectably connectable in parallel across an input andcomprising a selectable number of series connected LEDs, wherein theplurality of strings comprise strings with different selectable numbersof series connected LEDs; and a control system configured to dynamicallyvary a number of active strings connected in parallel across the inputand the selectable number of series connected LEDs in the active stringsbased on a voltage level at the input.
 27. An apparatus according toclaim 26 wherein the control system is configured to increase the numberof active strings and decrease the selectable number of series connectedLEDs in the active strings in response to a decreasing voltage level atthe input.
 28. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein each stringhas at least a fixed number of series connected LEDs such that theselectable number of series connected LEDs is at least the fixed number.29. An apparatus according to claim 28 comprising one or more additionalfixed strings of LEDs selectably connectable in parallel across theinput, wherein the additional fixed strings of LEDs each comprise thefixed number of series connected LEDs.
 30. An apparatus according toclaim 26 wherein the selectable number of series connected LEDs arearranged into a plurality of selectable levels.
 31. An apparatusaccording to claim 30 wherein the plurality of strings are arranged intoa plurality of sub-arrays, each sub-array comprising one or more stringswherein the selectable number of series connected LEDs include LEDs in adifferent number of levels.
 32. An apparatus according to claim 31wherein the LEDs are arranged into a plurality of concentricallyoriented groups, and wherein the LEDs of each group are in the samelevel.
 33. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the control systemis configured to maintain a desired current through the LEDs.
 34. Anapparatus according to claim 26 wherein the control system is configuredto monitor a current and a voltage provided to the array of LEDs todetermine an actual LED power and control the LEDs based on the actualLED power.
 35. An apparatus comprising: a first input connectable to afirst line of an AC voltage source; a second input connectable to asecond line of the AC voltage source; a first block comprising a firstswitchable capacitor array connected to the first input and the secondinput and a first switchable LED array connected to the first switchablecapacitor array and the first input; and, a second block comprising asecond switchable capacitor array connected to the first input and thesecond input and a second switchable LED array connected to the secondswitchable capacitor array and the second input.
 36. An apparatusaccording to claim 35 wherein the first block comprises a first controlsystem for controlling the first switchable capacitor array and thefirst switchable LED array, and wherein the second block comprises asecond control system for controlling the second switchable capacitorarray and the second switchable LED array.
 37. An apparatus according toclaim 36 wherein the first block and the second block are substantiallyidentical.
 38. An apparatus according to claim 35 wherein the AC voltagesource comprises a three phase voltage source, the apparatus comprising:a third input connectable to a third line of the AC voltage source; athird block comprising a third switchable capacitor array connected tothe second input and the third input and a third switchable LED arrayconnected to the third switchable capacitor array and the second input;a fourth block comprising a fourth switchable capacitor array connectedto the second input and the third input and a fourth switchable LEDarray connected to the fourth switchable capacitor array and the thirdinput; a fifth block comprising a fifth switchable capacitor arrayconnected to the first input and the third input and a fifth switchableLED array connected to the fifth switchable capacitor array and thefirst input; and, a sixth block comprising a sixth switchable capacitorarray connected to the first input and the third input and a sixthswitchable LED array connected to the sixth switchable capacitor arrayand the third input.
 39. An apparatus comprising: a first inputconnectable to a first line of a three phase AC voltage source; a secondinput connectable to a second line of the AC voltage source; a thirdinput connectable to a third line of the AC voltage source; a fourthinput connectable to a neutral of the AC voltage source; a first blockcomprising a first switchable capacitor array connected to the firstinput and the fourth input and a first switchable LED array connected tothe first switchable capacitor array and the first input; and, a secondblock comprising a second switchable capacitor array connected to thefirst input and the fourth input and a second switchable LED arrayconnected to the second switchable capacitor array and the fourth input;a third block comprising a third switchable capacitor array connected tothe second input and the fourth input and a third switchable LED arrayconnected to the third switchable capacitor array and the second input;a fourth block comprising a fourth switchable capacitor array connectedto the second input and the fourth input and a fourth switchable LEDarray connected to the fourth switchable capacitor array and the fourthinput; a fifth block comprising a fifth switchable capacitor arrayconnected to the third input and the fourth input and a fifth switchableLED array connected to the fifth switchable capacitor array and thethird input; and, a sixth block comprising a sixth switchable capacitorarray connected to the third input and the fourth input and a sixthswitchable LED array connected to the sixth switchable capacitor arrayand the fourth input.